Chapter 55
As time ticked by, the silence grew more and more unbearable, intensifying our anticipation for even the slightest sign of improvement. As Nadia slept on Axton’s back, her face contorted with pain, her breathing became shallow and ragged, and her movements were restless.
The camp on the next clearing finally came into view, and a flood of relief washed over me as I saw the comforting flickering light of the campfire.
“Sorry, but the pack needs some downtime. Once everyone’s had a breather, we’ll get back on the trail. The pack is just a couple of hours from here,” Wiping the sweat from his brow, Axton took a moment to catch his breath after carrying Nadia. “If there’s anything I can do for you”
Standing on my tiptoes, I feel the warmth of Axton’s lips as I quickly press a tender kiss against them. “I appreciate it, this is more than enough, Axton.”
Just as Axton was about to say something more, a voice from the pack called out, diverting his attention. Axton was on the verge of shaking his head when gently pushed his back, directing his attention to the person who had called him.
“Don’t worry about us, your pack needs you. Sammy and I got Nadia covered.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes,” I chuckle softly, leaning in to press a gentle kiss against his cheek. “Go”
Axton smiles at me, his eyes crinkling at the corners, before playfully ruffling my hair,
Sammy and I carefully laid Nadia down on a soft bed made of cozy blankets and warm furs, and without wasting any time, I began attending to her fever.
Sammy glanced right next to me, her eyes filled with worry as she anxiously chewed on her lip.
capes in a mutter under her breath. “But her breathing seems steady, at least for now.”
“She’s still unconscious,” Her voice, filled with concern, escapes in a
With trembling hands, I dipped a cloth into the cool water and softly pressed it against her forehead, relieving her of the sweat that had accumulated. As i pressed the damp cloth against her skin, I could feel the futility of trying to cool down her fevered body. The cloth I used to dab her forehead was soaked with sweat, and as I held it in my hands, I took a deep, somber breath, realizing the profound impact of Nadia’s illness.
Breaking through the tense silence, Sammy’s concerned voice broke the stillness next to me.
“How can I help, Maya?”
The feeling of being completely lost and helpless consumed me as shook my head in disbelief.
“I don’t know, Sammy,” My voice, murmuring under my breath, revealed my growing frustration. “I just wish there was something we could do to make her feel better.”
Just as expected, Nadia’s stomach grumbled loudly, its sound reverberating through the small clearing like a clap of thunder. A worried glance passed between Sammy and i, a sinking feeling settling in as we acknowledged the fact that Nadia had been without food for an extended period. Under my breath, I cursed as the realization washed over me, leaving me feeling as if I had been punched in the gut.
Nadia hadn’t eaten in far too long, and now her body was paying the price.
“I can’t remember the last time Nadia ate,” While I diligently wiped at Nadia’s brow, Sammy’s guilt weighed heavily on her voice as she muttered. “No wonder she’s so sick, Maya. Why hadn’t we noticed?”
“Nadia, you’re a stupid arrogant bitch, Desperate to assess the situation, I muttered and pressed my ear against her stomach, hoping to hear any signs of movement. The only sound that reached my ears was the haunting echo of her empty stomach, a harsh reminder of the gravity of the situation. “It’s important to eat, you can’t keep pushing yourself like this–1”
16:40 Wed, 19 Jun G
Chapter 55
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Despite her unresponsiveness, Nadia’s labored breathing filled the air, a constant reminder of her fragile state as she slipped in and out of consciousness. Frustration and worry consumed me as I muttered curses under my breath, my mind racing to find a solution.
“She’s starving.” My voice trembled as I whispered, barely making a sound, feeling the weight of the truth press down on me like why she’s so sick.”
Out of nowhere, an idea hit me like a lightning bolt, and I jumped to my feet, fueled by determination.
a heavy blanket. “That’s
“Sammy, help me gather some food,” My voice carried a sense of urgency as I pointed to the forest, the urgency evident in my gestures. “We need to get Nadia to eat, no matter what it takes.”
Sammy’s agreement was evident in her nod, her gaze focused and intense as she examined the area for potential sources of nourishment like plants or berries. As we scoured the forest, a sense of determination filled the air, our hearts beating rapidly with the need to find something, anything,
Finally, after what felt like an eternity of searching, Sammy triumphantly returned with a handful of berries and nuts. Her face was flushed from the exertion, and she eagerly presented them to me. Sammy’s voice quivered with a sense of urgency as she knelt beside me, her eyes never straying from Nadia’s ashen visage.
“We gotta convince her to eat, Maya, but I’m scared she might bite on my hand.”
As I nodded in agreement, a wave of anxiety surged through me, causing my hands to shake as I tentatively grasped the berries. As I whispered, my voice was nearly drowned out by the raspy sound of Nadia struggling to catch her breath,
“We have to try.
With trembling fingers, I lifted a handful of plump, ripe berries to Nadia’s lips, their sweet aroma filling the air as I urged her to take a bite, my heart pounding with a mix of hope and apprehension.
“Come on, Nadia,” I murmured, my voice filled with urgency, “You have to eat.”
I felt relieved when Nadia’s lips finally parted, and she weakly accepted the food. I watched as she chewed slowly, forcing herself to swallow each mouthful. Anxiously, Sammy and I observed Nadia consuming her meal, the pounding of our hearts echoing in our chests, as we desperately wished for her vitality to be restored.
